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What Causes Pipes to Burst in the Summer and How to Prevent Them

Burst pipes are typically a concern in the winter, due to freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, your pipes are not safe just because it is summer. Here are some reasons your pipes can burst during the warmer months and what you can do to stop it from happening!

Older PipesPipes will degrade and deteriorate over time, like most things. Metal pipes are especially susceptible to corrosion, while plastic pipes break down naturally over time. When the pipes in your home age, they slowly lose their ability to handle the pressures they are constantly subjected to. As your pipes deteriorate, they become more and more likely to burst. Your best defense against aging pipes is to replace them before they fail you.

Pipe Erosion and CorrosionWhen your pipes erode or corrode, they create weak spots in your piping. These weak spots are vulnerable and more likely to leak and burst because they can no longer withstand the water pressure. Stay ahead of erosion and corrosion by having your pipes inspected annually.

Also, keep in mind that hot water has the potential of causing the soil around your outdoor pipes to move, which can damage and even break the pipes. This is especially true when the weather is dryer. While this typically is a larger concern for water mains found in the street, the pipes leading up to your home is also vulnerable. If you are concerned about your outdoor pipes, you can have one of our expert plumbers come to your home and assess your risks.

Clogged PipesA burst pipe is just one of the concerns caused by a clogged pipe. If your water happens to have a high mineral content, you may have extra reasons to be concerned. Over time, mineral deposits will build up in your pipes. This build up reduces the area in your pipes, restricting water flow and increasing pressure. In cases when the pressure exceeds the pipe’s threshold, it can cause the pipe to burst. If you happen to live in an area where the water has a higher mineral count, also known as hard water, having a water softener installed by one of our expert plumbers is an effective method to protect your pipes. Water softeners are designed to remove most of the minerals in your water and help prevent your pipes from clogging.

Poorly Installed PipesUnfortunately, not every plumber has as high standards as we do and poorly installed pipes are at a greater risk of failure, leaks and bursting. Whether they are improperly soldered, poorly insulated or inadequately supported, if your pipes were not installed correctly, you could be in for some unpleasant surprises. If you have any concerns about how your pipes were installed, call us at (866) 844-3770, to have your plumbing system inspected by a true plumbing professional.

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